Mark R. Templeton, 57, passed away on July 17, 2016 in a tragic accident while kayaking on the Rogue River in Oregon. Mark was born in Austin, Texas and moved in 1964 to the San Francisco Bay Area. He met his wife, Betsy, during his freshman year at the University of California Santa Barbara and married in 1986. In many ways, Mark was a self-taught engineer. From a young age, he had a curiosity for how things work. His passion for engineering grew from tinkering with electronic devices, machines and computers to studying engineering in college, ultimately graduating from Boston University with a B.S. in Engineering. In terms of his career, Mark was most proud of his role in co-founding Artisan Components in 1991. The company provided building blocks for the design and manufacture of integrated circuits. In more recent years, he delighted in helping others launch various business ventures. While his professional accomplishments were impressive, his two children, Lisa and Andrew, were his greatest achievement. It would be difficult to find a prouder and more beloved father, who gained great joy following his children on their journey to adulthood.

Mark enjoyed the California outdoors as a cyclist, kayaker and skier. He was an avid reader, particularly of the technical sciences, and studied physics, astronomy and math as a relaxing pastime. He enjoyed music as a listener, guitarist, and concertgoer, and shared his love of music with his family. Mark and his wife enjoyed exploring the countryside and major cities of Italy and France as well as several recent vacations to Hawaii. He and his family spent many summers kayaking at the Russian River. His ideal day would start with an early morning float and end with a cold beer, guacamole and chips on the deck.

Mark's family includes his wife Betsy, children Lisa and Andrew, mother Margo, siblings Cabot, Amy and Chris, Aunt Jane Blanch and cousin Ward Blanch. His father Rodney is deceased. Mark will be fondly remembered for his keen scientific mind, strong optimistic spirit, dry humor and fierce integrity. He was a kind, caring and devoted husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law and uncle and will be deeply missed.

The family gives their warmest thanks to the Josephine County Oregon community, particularly the Sheriff, Search and Rescue and his two professional Rogue River tour guides. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark's memory to Feeding America, 35 East Wacker Drive Suite 2000, Chicago, Il 60601 or the National Parks Foundation, 1110 Vermont Avenue NW #200, Washington D.C. 20005. A memorial service will be held at a future date.

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I had known Mark while taking astronomy classes at SJSU. He was very humble, quiet, punctual, and smart. I always wondered what he was doing in an astronomy class at that age. After talking to him, I realized he was this semiconductor company's CEO. I was shocked and amazed by his simplicity and he told me he always had a love for astronomy. We worked together on an astronomy project that he started and I took over. He helped me with his coding and his acute knowledge. When I started looking for jobs, he was happy and readily gave me recommendation letters. I was shocked to read the news that he is no more. I wish all the strength to his family. We have lost a humble and knowledgeable person. You will be missed!

Vakini

August 13, 2016

One of the most supportive, encouraging executives I ever had the pleasure to work with. His memory is a blessing.

My deepest condolences go out to Betsy, Lisa, Andrew. Andrew was on our baseball team in 2002 and Mark was a great, supportive parent.

Edmond Macaluso, Los Altos, CA

August 6, 2016

When someone was as nice as Mark seemed to be, I don't think there's really anything else that needs to be said.My heart goes out to Betsy, to Mark's Mom and to his children, and to anyone else who loved him.

Sincerely,Kate Bernierhealthyberkeley@yahoo.com

I'm leaving you with a poem I wrote for my departed sister Jeanne:

A Girl and Her Horse . . .Somewhere in Time'Now and again a vision stirs meThundering hooves that bear the heavy weight of time.Over the herd, one light shines Brightestbeaming a love whose vision echoes mine.

She rode away, one lonely lifetime,called to a place that only love could hope to find.Turn from the herd,run to your Master,run from the joy and pain that you leave behind.

Mark was one of the most genuine and nicest people that I've worked with in my career. I worked with him at Silicon Compilers in the late 80's, and we stayed in touch over the years. My deepest condolences go out to Betsy, Lisa, Andrew, and the rest of his family, and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Keith Mueller

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